Fodor's Expert Review Tilapias El Pavón

To enjoy an authentically tico day in the country, follow a winding river road about 20 minutes up to this family-run tilapia fish farm in the tiny hamlet of Vergel, where you catch your own tilapia on the way. The cooks at the open-air wooden restaurant overlooking the scenic fishponds will fry up your fish in 10 minutes, presenting it whole or filleted, with rice, salad, yuca, and excellent patacones (fried, mashed plantains), plus a pitcher of refreshing fruit naturale, a feast for less than $11. You can work up an appetite on a short hike to a spectacular, nearby waterfall with a swimming hole (bring your swimsuit and binoculars for bird-watching), then catch your own tilapia. There's also chicken for nonfish fans, plus wine and beer. It's a good spot for lunch or an early dinner (it closes by 6 on weekdays).